How to Make Mushroom Tea With Tea Bags (Easy Method)

Tea is one of the gentlest ways to take mushrooms, and pre-made tea bags make it almost effortless: no grinding, no weighing, no straining. Here is how to brew a great cup and what to expect afterwards.

Why tea?

• Gentler on the stomach: many people find tea causes less nausea than chewing dried mushrooms.
• Faster onset: tea often comes on within 15 to 30 minutes, compared with 20 to 60 minutes for dried mushrooms, because there is less for your stomach to break down. This is widely reported, though not well studied.
• Smoother ride: people often describe a quicker come-up and a slightly shorter overall experience.
• Better taste: with ginger, lemon or honey, it can actually be pleasant.

What you need

• A mushroom tea bag, like Temple tea bags, or the Temple Tea Trifecta to try three blends
• A mug and a kettle
• A saucer or small plate to cover the mug
• Optional: fresh ginger, lemon, honey or mint

The method

• Check the box for the amount of mushroom in each bag, and decide how much you will drink before you start.
• Heat water until it is hot but not boiling. Just off the boil, or letting a boiled kettle sit for a minute or two, is fine.
• Place the tea bag in your mug and pour the water over it.
• Cover the mug with a saucer to keep the heat in.
• Steep for the time on the box.
• Give the bag a gentle squeeze with a spoon before removing it.
• Sip slowly over 10 to 15 minutes, already settled in your comfy spot.

Make it tastier

A thin slice of fresh ginger in the mug adds warmth and may help settle the stomach. A squeeze of lemon brightens the earthy notes, and a spoonful of honey rounds everything off. A sprig of mint makes it feel fresh. Avoid mixing it with alcohol, or with caffeine if you tend to get anxious.

How much?

Go by the label, and use these approximate ranges for dried Psilocybe cubensis as a guide:

• Low: about 0.5 to 1 g, a gentle first experience
• Moderate: about 1 to 2.5 g, a full experience that deserves a planned day and a sober sitter
• Strong: about 2.5 to 3.5 g, for experienced people only

If a bag contains more than you want, brew it in more water and drink only part, but remember that it is hard to measure precisely this way. Our dose size guide explains each level.

Timing

Because tea can come on fast, be settled before you finish the cup. A typical arc: onset in about 15 to 30 minutes, peak around 1 to 2 hours, and most effects fading by 3 to 5 hours. Wait at least 90 minutes before even thinking about more.

Normal: yawning, warmth or chills, a tingly body, brighter colours and emotional waves. Not normal: chest pain, trouble breathing or a seizure. Call 911.

Tips

• Brew one bag at a time. Do not double up because the first cup tastes weak.
• Store bags sealed, somewhere cool, dry and out of reach of kids and pets.
• Make it a ritual. A favourite mug and a calm playlist set the tone. See our playlist guide.

Tea is for adults 19 and over. Psilocybin is a controlled substance in Canada and can interact with lithium, MAOIs, tramadol and some antidepressants. Never drive afterwards. For a deeper dive, read our full mushroom tea guide, browse our tea shelf, and check the safety guide.

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you have health questions, talk to a health professional.